[Greenbuilding] renewing a cast iron tub

[JOHN SALMEN]

The least toxic and most pleasing process would be powder coating (if the
tub can be moved). The tub would be sandblasted then coated in a controlled
environment. What is nice is you can have the exterior done to the same
degree of finish (if it is exposed as well). It is actually not that
expensive to have items powder coated and probably the cleanest process.

 

You can do it in-situ but it takes some time. The porcelain is a glass
finish so has to be etched (muriatic is the easiest). A 2 part polyurethane
(as in a boat paint) would be the most durable and forgiving. It can work
well with a roll and tip application and you will be building up coats from
a 2 part primer onward. It can be finish wet sanded if there are
imperfections and polished to a very high gloss.  It is quite toxic to apply
but considered inert upon setting.

 

If you replace it you will be putting in a fibreglass/gel coat or acrylic
tub that represents far more 'finish' than what you would use in restoring
this tub so either approach would be good practice I think.

 

John

 

JOHN SALMEN ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

station design & millwork

4465 UPHILL RD DUNCAN BC V9L6M7 250-748-7672 C 250-246-8541 F 250-748-7612

 

 

 

From: greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of David
Bergman
Sent: July-18-11 10:46 AM
To: Green Building
Subject: [Greenbuilding] renewing a cast iron tub

 

In a current project of mine, there's a worn-looking but otherwise good cast
iron tub that perfectly fits the tight space of its NYC bathroom. I'm
wondering if there are any durable and environmentally decent methods to
renew/refinish the tub, either in situ or sending it out. (We are replacing
the tile, so removing the tub and sending it out for refinishing is not out
of the question.)

>From what I've researched so far:
1. The DIY finishes are terrible -- both environmentally and esthetically,
as well as durably.
2. There are at least two types of in situ refinishing services. One is
apparently far better than the other in terms of durability, but both
involve toxic fumes. The resulting finish, I've heard, may not look like the
original porcelain.
3. I've heard rumor of places you can send the tub to that give it a new
"dip coat" that's more similar to the original finish, but haven't found who
does it. Nor do I know anything about the toxicity of that process.

Does anyone have any further info on this?  I hate to remove the tub and
then replace it with a new one that is similar in size but doesn't fit as
well or look as right.. And I've searched for vintage replacements.

Thanks,

David




David Bergman  RA   LEED AP
DAVID BERGMAN ARCHITECT / FIRE & WATER LIGHTING + FURNITURE
architecture . interiors . ecodesign . lighting . furniture
bergman at cyberg.com    www.cyberg.com <http://www.cyberg.com/>  
241 Eldridge Street #3R, New York, NY 10002
t 212 475 3106    f 212 677 7291 

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